The UK government has paused a controversial early prison release scheme following widespread criticism from victims' families and survivors.Justice Secretary Alex Norris announced the decision after receiving significant backlash, particularly from the family of PC Andrew Harper, whose killers would have been eligible for early release under the policy.

The Sentencing Act, set to take effect in September 2026, aimed to reduce prison overcrowding by allowing some offenders to serve a third or half of their sentences before being released into the community.However, opponents argue the scheme risks public safety and undermines victim trust.Norris emphasized the need for a review to ensure victims receive adequate information and certainty about offender releases.

The pause has sparked debate among stakeholders, with prison officers warning of potential overcrowding if the policy is not implemented, while victims' advocates praise the decision as prioritizing public safety.

The scheme would have initially released around 700 prisoners in early September, but its future remains uncertain following the government's intervention.